Indigenous Deaths in NSW Prisons Hit Record, Advocates Fear Worse 2026

Indigenous deaths in NSW prisons have reached a record high, and advocates fear this year will be even worse. The recent suicides of two First Nations men, including 27-year-old Matthew Roberts, highlight a systemic crisis in the correctional system that demands immediate action.

Record Number of First Nations Deaths in NSW Custody

Last year, New South Wales recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in prison custody ever documented. Now, with two deaths already in July, community leaders and advocates warn that 2025 could surpass that grim milestone. Matthew Roberts, a Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gamilaroi man, died at Lithgow Correctional Centre on July 7, just months after being remanded. A 21-year-old man died a week later at Clarence Correctional Centre.

These deaths are not isolated incidents. They reflect deeper issues of mental health support, systemic racism, and over-incarceration that disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Dhadjowa Foundation, which supports families like the Roberts, is calling for urgent reforms.

Systemic Failures in Mental Health and Custody

Corrective Services NSW states that mental health care is provided through Justice Health, but families argue that the response is too slow and inadequate. Karlene Whitton, Matthew's mother, said he had been on suicide watch previously and had expressed suicidal thoughts the night he died. Despite this, no effective intervention prevented his death.

Experts point to a lack of culturally appropriate mental health services, understaffing, and a punitive environment that exacerbates trauma. The coroner will investigate, but advocates say the system is failing at every level.

Comparison of Indigenous vs Non-Indigenous Deaths in Custody

The data shows a stark overrepresentation of Indigenous deaths relative to population. Indigenous people make up about 3% of the NSW population but account for over 50% of deaths in custody in recent years.

Advocates Demand Action

The Dhadjowa Foundation and other groups are pushing for immediate changes, including:

• Increased funding for culturally safe mental health services in prisons.
• Mandatory suicide prevention training for all correctional staff.
• Independent oversight of custodial deaths.
• Alternatives to incarceration for low-risk offenders.
• Support for families affected by in-custody deaths.

April Day, founder of the Dhadjowa Foundation, said, "No family should have to fundraise to bury their loved one, especially when they have died in the care of the state." Her own mother died in custody in Victoria in 2017.

What Needs to Change?

Reform requires a holistic approach: addressing the root causes of over-incarceration, improving mental health care, and ensuring accountability. The NSW government has announced a review, but advocates demand concrete action, not just inquiries.

As the year progresses, the fear is that more families will face the same tragedy. The time for change is now.

FAQ